2026 President's Message

Dear CAA Members and Community,

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026! It is an honor to serve as President of the California Academy of Audiology and to represent the incredible, diverse group of audiology professionals across our state. I am grateful for your trust and for the opportunity to help lead an organization that has shaped my own journey from student, to new clinician, to committed advocate for our profession.

As we look ahead, I am inspired by the momentum CAA has built over the past several years. Our Board of Directors and volunteers have continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment through advocacy in Sacramento, the advancement of our strategic initiatives, and the continued expansion of educational and networking opportunities for our members. Their dedication strengthens not only this organization, but the profession of audiology across California. 

This year, I am excited to invite you to join us in embracing the theme of our 2026 Annual Conference, Defying the Decibel: Looking Beyond the Audiogram, which will be held in Costa Mesa from September 24–26. In a field often defined by numbers and measurements, this theme is a reminder that hearing care is about so much more. It encompasses the lived experience of every patient we serve, the interdisciplinary collaborations we build, and the evolving technologies and practices shaping our future. 

As an early-career audiologist who has benefited from the mentorship, community, and leadership within CAA, I have seen firsthand how powerful it is when audiologists of all backgrounds come together with a shared purpose. My hope for 2026 is to deepen that sense of connection and engagement across our membership. Whether you are a student discovering your passion for audiology, a seasoned clinician, an educator, or a retired professional, your voice and participation matter. 

CAA remains committed to advocating for fair reimbursement, safeguarding our licensure, supporting the growth of AuD programs in California, and providing high-quality continuing education that equips you for the challenges and opportunities ahead. But we cannot do this work alone. Your involvement, whether through volunteering, attending events, supporting advocacy efforts, or simply staying connected, strengthens our collective impact. 

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your President. I look forward to a year of collaboration, innovation, and renewed purpose as we continue to elevate and advance audiology in California. Together, let us embrace 2026 with openness, curiosity, and the shared commitment to look beyond the audiogram and into the full spectrum of what our patients, communities, and profession need from us.

Warmly,
Lizette Montes, Au.D., ABAC
2026 CAA President

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